Anyone who’s never transported a car before is bound to have some questions. One of the most common questions we receive is: ‘Which type of car shipping should I choose – open or enclosed? Choosing between open vs. enclosed car shipping can be challenging, but with the right information, you can easily make the right decision and positively impact the safety, cost, and overall experience.
Whether you’re relocating for a new job, moving cross-country, buying a classic car online, or heading south for the winter, the right transport type matters. To help you pick open vs. enclosed car transport, you should consider factors like the type of vehicle you’re shipping, its value, and the route the carrier will take.
A general rule of thumb is that standard cars are fine with an open trailer, while high-end, vintage, or exotic vehicles are better protected when you choose enclosed transport.
As experts in providing premium enclosed auto transport services, we’ve written this guide to help you decide which method best suits your needs. We’ll examine car transport, open vs. enclosed, and answer some common questions.
Open car shipping is a way of transporting various types of vehicles across the country using trucks and open trailers. The trailers are open on all sides, leaving them fully exposed to the weather, dust, dirt, traffic grime and similar elements. Typically, they are also long and made up of two tiers, allowing them to transport as many as 10 vehicles simultaneously.
When comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping you should consider the pros and also the cons. The advantages of this auto transport option include:
The downsides of using this service are:
Enclosed car shipping involves shipping your car inside an enclosed carrier, offering complete protection from the elements, dust, dirt, grime, and prying eyes. Because of this protection, it’s very popular with owners of luxury, exotic, classic, antique, and high-end vehicles.
The trailers are either soft or hard-sided, with a solid floor, roof, and walls that shield and protect from external elements such as rain, snow, hail, sun, dust, dirt, and road debris.
Far fewer carriers offer this service, and the number of cars a carrier can transport is limited, making it more expensive.
The pros of enclosed car shipping include:
The cons of enclosed auto transport include:
Here’s a side-by-side comparison table to help you weigh your options regarding open vs. enclosed auto transport more clearly. We’ve broken it down by factors like cost, protection, delivery timelines, and the types of vehicles best suited for each transport type – open vs. enclosed car shipping.
| Feature | 🚚Open Car Shipping | 🛡️Enclosed Car Shipping |
| Cost | 💰 Lower cost – budget-friendly for standard vehicles | 💸 Higher cost – premium pricing for added protection |
| Protection | 🌤️ Exposed to weather, dust, and road debris | 🧊 Fully protected from the elements and prying eyes |
| Insurance Coverage | 📝 Standard coverage | 🏆 Higher-value insurance for exotic and luxury vehicles |
| Delivery Timeline | ⏱️ Faster and more readily available | 🕒 May involve longer lead times due to limited availability |
| Availability | 📍 Widely available – used by ~90% of carriers | 🔒 Limited availability – fewer carriers offer enclosed transport |
| Best For | 🚗 Everyday vehicles, budget-conscious shippers | 🚘 Classic, luxury, exotic, antique, or collector vehicles |
If you’re still wondering whether open or enclosed car shipping is the right choice, here are some examples of when you should choose open transport.
For further comparison, when comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping, you should choose enclosed car shipping when your vehicle requires the highest level of care and protection:
To see how the choice between open vs enclosed car shipping plays out in the real world, here are two examples from opposite ends of the spectrum:
Enclosed Transport for a Vintage Classic
A car collector in California needed to ship a $250,000 vintage Porsche 356 to a concours event in Florida. Given the vehicle’s value, age, and need for pristine arrival, enclosed auto transport was the obvious choice. The vehicle was loaded into a hard-sided trailer with liftgate service, fully protected from weather, road debris, and public view. The peace of mind and higher insurance coverage made the extra cost worthwhile.
A college student relocating from Texas to Colorado chose open car shipping for a well-used Honda Civic. Since the car was a standard model and not particularly high in value, the open trailer option offered the best balance of cost and speed. The vehicle arrived safely in just a few days, making this decision a smart, budget-conscious move.
These two scenarios highlight how open vs enclosed transport serves different needs based on value, urgency, and vehicle type.
When choosing between open vs. enclosed car shipping, several crucial factors must be considered. We’ve put together some tips to help you make a more informed decision.
Vehicles that are high value, such as rare, exotic, luxury, antique, or classic cars are better suited for enclosed car shipping. If your car has custom paint, vintage parts, or collector status, we’d also recommend you choose enclosed auto transport.
Open car shipping is more suitable for your standard, everyday vehicles.
If you’re shipping during the winter or across a region that’s prone to heavy rain, hail, or snow, you’ll enjoy peace of mind if you opt for enclosed car shipping.
When the weather is milder, drier, and more predictable, open auto transport is a more cost-effective and safe choice.
Before you make your final decision about open vs. enclosed car shipping, get a quote for both services from several operators. That way, you can compare the costs and make the best decision, depending on your needs.
If you’re still unsure whether to opt for open vs. enclosed shipping, our team at Passport Transport is here to help. Let us walk you through your options and work out a plan to suit your budget, timeline, and vehicle needs.
Here at Passport Transport, we do much more than transport your car. Enclosed auto transport is our specialty, and we’ve got decades of experience in providing reliable, on-time, and excellent services.
Our custom-built enclosed trailers are designed for superior protection, shielding your car from the weather, dust, road debris, and unwanted attention. Each trailer is well-equipped with liftgates, soft tie-downs, and climate control options to ensure your vehicle arrives in the same condition as it was picked up.
Our long list of satisfied customers includes private collectors, luxury dealerships, manufacturers, and auction houses. They expect nothing less than white-glove service, and we’re always happy to pick up and deliver door-to-door.
If you’re shipping a high-value, luxury, rare, classic, custom, or antique vehicle, enclosed auto transport is worth the extra cost because it provides added protection compared to open vs. enclosed car shipping.
When booking your shipment, you can choose what type of trailer is used for open vs. enclosed car shipping. The options are typically open or enclosed trailers, and you should make your decision based on your vehicle and preferences.
All carriers licensed and registered with the FMCSA provide insurance coverage during transport. For enclosed shipping options, this often includes higher-value protection.
It may take a little longer to schedule enclosed shipping because fewer carriers are available. However, transit times are very similar once shipping is underway when comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Yes, open transport is safe and the most widely used method for shipping cars, especially standard vehicles.
When it comes to choosing between open vs. enclosed car shipping, both options could be suitable, depending on your needs. Open transport is more widely available, more affordable, and ideal for shipping standard vehicles affordably and efficiently. Enclosed auto transport, on the other hand, delivers maximum protection and higher insurance coverage, making it the better choice for classic cars, luxury vehicles, and any vehicle of significant value, both financial and emotional.
For expert guidance and white-glove service, contact Passport Transport. We’ll help you make the right decision regarding open vs. enclosed car shipping and provide a quote tailored to your specific needs.
With over 55 years of trusted service, Passport Transport is the leader in enclosed auto shipping. We’re committed to delivering your vehicle safely, securely, and on time – every time. Get your free quote today and ship with confidence.
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